CBD and Hypertension: Everything You Need to Know
What is hypertension?
Blood pressure is measured using a sphygmomanometer and is the pressure exerted by the blood on the artery walls. This pressure results from the action of the heart as it pumps blood. The value of this pressure varies from one individual to another depending on specific factors.
Some factors, such as emotions or physical exertion, can have effects on blood pressure, but these effects are not persistent. However, for others, their effects are long-lasting and can cause problems. Examples include body weight or eating habits.
When a person is in a state of hypertension, it is because the blood pressure value has significantly exceeded normal. In this case, the diastolic pressure is above 90 and the systolic pressure is above 140. And this is sustained.
What are the consequences?
This disease is called "silent" because it often has no symptoms. It is the leading cause of death worldwide, and if people affected by it are not medically monitored, it can lead to many serious complications.
Chronic kidney failure or degenerative diseases may be among these disorders. There is also concern about the occurrence of cardiovascular accidents, pulmonary edema, and myocardial infarction.
Who is concerned?
Although older people are most affected by this disease, it is important to know that younger adults and even children are also affected. The risks of developing high blood pressure vary from person to person. However, there are factors that can increase the risk of developing this disease, such as tobacco use, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, alcohol consumption, red meat consumption, and diabetes.
How can CBD help with hypertension?
The healing effects of cannabidiol (CBD) have been known for centuries. It is particularly beneficial for dilating blood vessels, allowing blood to circulate properly. It can therefore be an alternative to medication. CBD is found, among other things, in the form of oil extracted from cannabis , which, it should be noted, has nothing to do with hemp oil. Hemp oil does not contain an active ingredient like CBD oil.
CBD is able to intervene at the level of the receptors of the endocannabinoid system, which has the effect of reducing stress and combating anxiety. Its use is of particular interest in the treatment of high blood pressure, knowing that chronic stress can trigger it in certain cases. CBD continues to attract the attention of the scientific community, in particular because it preserves the health of the circulatory system. This natural remedy could increasingly be used in the treatment of disorders related to blood pressure and stress.
CBD helps the cardiovascular system
CBD is currently the subject of increasing research, and there is a tendency to conclude that it may have positive effects on the cardiovascular system. CBD has vasorelaxant properties on the arteries.
A 2013 study showed that CBD plays a protective role for the cardiovascular system when the body is in the presence of high glucose concentrations. CBD thus helps prevent damage to the vascular system and also helps reduce inflammation in type 2 diabetes.
CBD helps with arterial elasticity
Another benefit of CBD was highlighted following a study on rats in 2014. CBD has the ability to act on the arteries, allowing them to regain greater elasticity. More specifically, CBD stimulates the production of products derived from the vasodilator COX 1/2, which act on very specific receptors, the EP4 receptors.
A 2014 study in humans found that CBD had a vasorelaxant effect on the mesenteric artery. The mesenteric artery, which has a vital function, originates from the abdominal aorta. It's worth noting that obstruction in this region can lead to problems such as intestinal infarction.
CBD helps with water retention
When treating high blood pressure, patients are often forced to reduce their salt intake. In more serious cases, salt intake may even be completely eliminated.
The problem with salt is that it tends to promote water retention. This results in an increase in the amount of blood circulating in the bloodstream, also known as blood volume. Ultimately, this results in a knock-on increase in blood pressure.
CBD use has been found to cause potassium to enter the body's cells. Potassium, in cooperation with sodium, helps maintain the body's water and electrolyte balance. Sodium, on the other hand, has an opposite effect to potassium. The intervention of these two minerals helps maintain homeostatic balance .
Our conclusion on the qualities of CBD for hypertension and hypotension
It's clear that hypertension is affecting more and more people these days, and at an alarming rate. Treatment for hypertension involves the use of medication, among other things. However, this isn't the only solution available to patients suffering from it. Recent research highlights the beneficial effects of CBD, a natural product, on high blood pressure.
